A nice warm meal doesn’t have to be complicated. This chicken meatballs with orzo is the best high-protein family meal you’ll be able to make in less than one hour.

This recipe is the perfect balance between comfort food and health. It’s packed with tender, seasoned meatballs, creamy orzo, and a punch of flavors provided by fresh herbs.

I know that this recipe is going to become your favorite go-to dinner for family meals, date nights, dinner parties, or casual gatherings.

Now, this recipe isn’t just another meatball dish. It’s a culinary experience.

I can assure you that making this meal will impress everyone. Once they try it, they’ll believe you bought it from a 5-star restaurant.

And that’s how you create fans!

Another great thing about this recipe is that you can say goodbye to piles of dishes. Both the meatballs and the creamy orzo are cooked in the same skillet, saving you time and cleanup.

This dish cannot get any more perfect!

Ingredients and Substitutes

CHICKEN MEATBALLS

Plain breadcrumbs (1/2 cup) – Swap with almond flour, crushed almonds, or gluten-free breadcrumbs if you need to have a gluten-free option.

Italian seasoning (1 tbsp) – You can make your own mix with dried basil, oregano, and thyme.

Garlic powder (1/2 tsp) – You can also use garlic flakes.

Onion powder (1/2 tsp) – Just like garlic, you can use onion flakes.

Salt  (3/4 tsp)

Black pepper (1/4 tsp)

Parmesan, grated (3 tbsp) – You can also use Asiago cheese or nutritional yeast for a plant-based option.

Ground chicken (1 lb) – You can also use lean ground chicken or ground turkey for a lighter option. For a plant-based option, choose a plant-based meat.

Egg (1 large)

Worcestershire sauce (1/2 tsp) – This adds a delicious umami flavor. You can use soy sauce for a similar effect.

Olive oil (2 tbsp) – If you don’t have olive oil, you can use coconut oil or avocado oil.

ORZO

Garlic, minced (3 cloves) – You can use garlic flakes or powder.

Chicken broth, low sodium (2½ cups) – Use vegetable broth for a plant-based option.

Orzo pasta, dry (1½ cups) – If you want to have a gluten-free meal, try using gluten-free pasta or couscous.

Heavy cream (⅔ cup) – For a lighter option, use half-and-half or coconut cream.

Parmesan cheese, grated (¼ cup)

Salt (½ tsp)

Black pepper (¼ tsp)

GARNISH

Parmesan cheese, grated (1 tbsp)

Basil leaves, chopped (6) – You can also use parsley or cilantro.

How to Make Chicken Meatballs with Orzo

Step 1. Grab a small bowl and combine the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 2. Give the ingredients a good stir.

Step 3. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, and Worcestershire sauce.

Step 4. Add the breadcrumbs.

Step 5. Now it’s time to combine everything. Use your hands, but prevent overmixing. 

Step 6. Once the mixture is ready, roll it into 1-inch balls. You should end up having 20-24 meatballs.

Step 7. Place a large, non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil. Once the olive oil is hot, add the meatballs.

Step 8. Sear the meatballs on all sides, making sure they are golden brown all around. It should roughly take 5-7 minutes.

Step 9. When the meatballs are all golden, remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate. Cover them (using a bowl or foil to keep them warm).

Don’t remove the fat from the skillet. Add the garlic to the skillet and cook it for 30 seconds.

Step 10. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan using a spatula.

Step 11. Bring the broth to a simmer, and then add the orzo, heavy cream, parmesan, salt, and black pepper.

Step 12. Give everything a good mix.

Step 13. Add the meatballs back into the skillet and place them on top of the orzo. Lower the heat and cover with a lid.

Step 14. Let it simmer for 10 minutes or until the orzo is al dente, and the sauce thickens. Make sure you check the orzo when it hits the 8-minute mark.

If the dish becomes too thick, just add a dash of chicken broth or water. When you are ready to have it, garnish with chopped basil or fresh parmesan.

Tips & Tricks

Now, I’ve made this dish several times. Here are some things I’ve learned that have helped me refine the recipe.

• Don’t Over Mix Your Meatballs: Gently combine your ingredients to prevent the meat from becoming too tough.
• Sear the Flavor: Browning the meatballs adds depth and locks in their juiciness.
• Check The Orzo: Cooking times can vary, so make sure you start checking the orzo in the 8-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
• Adjust The Creaminess: If the orzo gets too thick, add an extra splash of broth to help loosen it up.

How to Modify This Recipe

This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can adapt it based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here’s how:

• Add Veggies: You can add some spinach, kale, peas, or mushrooms to add flavor and nutrients.
• Spice It Up: Add some red pepper flakes to add a bit of heat.
• Cheese Lovers: Mix mozzarella or cheddar into the orzo for an extra cheesy twist.
• Keto-Friendly: Skip the orzo and serve the chicken meatballs with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

What to Serve with This Chicken Meatballs with Orzo

Want to make this meal more complete? Here are some of the best side dishes for this recipe:

• Green salad with light vinaigrette
• Arugula salad
• Avocado salad
• Garlic bread
• Roasted vegetables Storage Tips

Did you make too much? Lucky you!

This recipe stores nicely. Place the leftovers in an airtight container and place in the fridge for up to 3 days.

You can also keep it in the freezer (in a freezer-safe container) for up to 3 months.

When you are ready to have this delicious meal again, warm it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to prevent it from drying out.

Other Orzo Recipes

• Prawn Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
• Creamy Ground Beef Orzo
• Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo